Kickball tournament planned for June 21

-Event to raise funds for agencies fighting child abuse.

-Event to raise funds for agencies fighting child abuse.

May 29, 2008|RACHEL REYNOLDS Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND The fourth annual Kicks for Kids, an adult kickball tournament, will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Clay Township Park, off Laurel Road in South Bend. Proceeds from the daylong event will benefit Friends of Child Abuse Prevention Services (FOCAPS) and BASS (Bend Area Service/Sports/Social Club). The Kicks for Kids tournament annually draws more than 180 participants from around Michiana. "It's a good chance for people to come out and revisit their childhoods and have a good time," said Corey Hull, vice president of BASS, the organizer of the event. Kickball, the game that many people played at recess on the playground when they were kids, involves kicking a springy red ball and running around bases. "The basic rules are the same as baseball," Hull said. "It's become a very popular event ... a lot of people look forward to it." Coed teams of 10 to 15 players can register for $150 until June 13. Late registration after that date is $175. Each team must have at least one male member and at least one female member. For more information about registration, visit www.Kicksforkids.info or contact Cecile Taylor, BASS marketing director, at ceciletaylor@gmail.com or at (574) 329-0339. Individuals wanting to play who are not part of a team can register for $15, and they will be placed on a team formed by BASS. Companies or organizations wanting to learn more about sponsorship opportunities can also contact Taylor. The day of the event, registration will begin at 10 a.m. and games begin at 11 a.m. The double-elimination tournament is expected to last until about 6 p.m. Water, sports drinks, beer (for those over 21 years old) and some food will be for sale. "You can come out and enjoy the park and have a good time," Hull said. The goal of this year's fundraiser is $7,000. Of the funds raised, 50 percent will go to FOCAPS, a group of not-for-profit agencies in a five-county area that raises awareness of such issues as child abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome and shaken baby syndrome. The funds will be directed to FOCAPS through radio station U93's annual Roofsit fundraiser. The other 50 percent of funds will go to BASS, a nonprofit organization that aims to attract and retain talented young people (ages 21 to 39) who live and work in the South Bend area by fostering connections to each other and the community. BASS, which hosts an array of service, sports and social activities, embraces a variety of cultures, religious beliefs and professions.